hubrad

Get an old frame rucksack (pref. a good one!) and strap it on! Actually I did this in pre-car days with a non-Neo 1x15 combo. 1/2 mile was ok and it gets you fit and warmed up for the gig.

[quote name='TPJ' post='488120' date='May 14 2009, 05:51 PM']Where abouts? Noticed you're in W Yorks hubrad. I've taken mine to Jan at Chapel Allerton Strings in Leeds and he did really nice work. Is there someone else in 't North around Leeds? Cheers,[/quote] Drop Gina a line at www.ginalefaux.com She's been intimate with violins and acoustic things for decades! Did new bridge and soundpost on my old Zeller which almost stopped me hanging it! HUGH

Sort of.. if the preamp is causing you problems, have you tried wiring it out so you just get the pickups alone? Even top notch pickups through a ropey preamp can only sound ropey! Better to have decent pups with no preamp. On my Ibanez: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=44673"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=44673[/url] it started with decent stock pups and stock B+T preamp. As I got a better amp, I found I used the tone controls less and less, so in the middle of one of the experimental rewires I took all the active stuff out. Way better! Of course I also kept experimenting with pickups, , which is maybe why I just played the one bass for so many years. EMG really do the biz for my taste! Have fun!

[quote name='The Funk' post='487948' date='May 14 2009, 02:44 PM']Advice on what work needs doing, if any. Action seems ok to me but then I'm a beginner. Chuck on a decent set of strings. Not sure what else really - maybe install some kind of pick-up/microphone system.[/quote] Double bass is more akin to a violin, so could be worth approaching a violin repairer. I know a great one 200 miles north of you! +1 to new strings.. most new basses come with ok strings but ok is about as good as it gets for a few hundred pounds overall. Spirocore or Obligato/Evah Pirazzi cost a fair chunk but you'll have a great set of strings which will generally last for ages! I use this pickup [url="http://www.themusicroom-online.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/690"]http://www.themusicroom-online.co.uk/produ...products_id/690[/url] which needs very little, if any, work to the bass to fit and sounds really natural.

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='480751' date='May 6 2009, 11:01 AM']Call that a pickup? This is a pickup - [/quote] We're going to need a bigger bridge!

I've used tracks that I play on for my Myspace www.myspace.com/hughbass and as they aren't my tracks I asked permission of the owners, just to be safe and from courtesy. Might be fun to approach the owners of any songs you want to post. Networking a la mode!

[quote name='jakesbass' post='484802' date='May 11 2009, 08:51 AM']I really have sympathy for your lack of funds situation but... At risk of pointing out the obvious, it's a bit like asking a taxi driver for a free ride, the guys really good enough to offer you some proper, experienced, useful tuition will generally be trying to make a living out of music (me included) pointers and posting on here are fine (and I've relayed tons of stuff) but there is nothing like a face to face.[/quote] Actually it's more like asking a driver you meet in the car showroom for a lift. It's something I've always liked about most musicians, that knowledge shared is considered a positive energy. You don't know who you've asked.. they might have never even taken the driving test! Even some of the top pros will pass on some of their experience; it's up to you how you apply it. However I don't completely disagree with you Jakesbass, as everyone I know with any sense at all will also qualify the 'hints and tips from my experience' stuff by recommending that if someone really needs showing something in depth then a good teacher is second to none. To do the job properly takes pretty much the same effort as teaching in a school, although with considerably less risk of verbal or physical abuse at work! Lesson planning and the works, varying with each pupil. Proper hard work!

Just got some Neutrik angle jacks from Stevie, all arranged, paid for and delivered safely in record time! Decent to deal with and would heartily recommend! HUGH

[quote name='7string' post='485069' date='May 11 2009, 01:58 PM']Amazes me that someone hasn't got a ramp-making service. Saying that Jon Suker made a ramp for my Conklin and even colour-matched it to match the bass. He de-fretted it for me at the same time and did a great job. [/quote] I know that Overwater do this on their own basses, and 7string got it done by Shuker. Probably any decent luthier would be able to fit this job in if wanted.

Special Brew holds a hint of danger! Alternatively you could just tell BC as a whole what you're struggling with and see what comes up.. could be fun.

So where in 'Earth' are you? I'm sure someone on here will be up for some hints and tips. 'Specially with the chance of a beer in the offing!

[quote name='MuseMatt' post='482139' date='May 7 2009, 04:28 PM']Who can tell me anything about Ibanez Roadster basses? I can buy this '84(? could also be 87 I think) for (only?) 450 euro's and it looks like a good bass to me! Also it meets my wishes (J/P) [/quote] That's what mine was, although mine was already ebony board fretless when I got it 20-odd years ago. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=44673"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=44673[/url] Absolutely superb bass! I finally found something to surpass it.. Overwater! HUGH

[quote name='mathewsanchez' post='484257' date='May 10 2009, 12:17 PM']Abalone [/quote] +1 for me on blue!

Hi chaps, Sorry for taking an age with these. The first two show the mute in situ; the rubber band, inevitable, needs replacing from time to time as it perishes. It's not load bearing anyway so no great hassle there. [attachment=24993:mute1.jpg] [attachment=24994:mute2.jpg] The 3rd pic shows the underside.. nothing nore fancy than draught excluder foam! In between the slices, I think it's just those foam double sided sticky strips. [attachment=24995:mute3.jpg] As is, this cuts the volume a fair bit, mainly removing the real bottomy stuff but leaving enough for either hearing yourself or practicing with an acoustic guitarist. I may experiment further with a heavier one to lose more volume; if anyone else has a go let me know! HUGH